Before the first ponds are built or before fish are stocked in existing ponds, producers should know where they can sell their fish. The market options available to catfish producers include:
A market should be selected based on the potential profits according to the scale of the operation. Each option should be carefully analyzed.
Large processors generally harvest fish for producers within a short radius of the processing plant (50 to 75 miles). Some accept fish delivered live by the producer. Fish producers within range of large processing plants should arrange harvest or delivery dates before fingerlings are stocked.
Many producers want to sell their fish in the fall, creating an oversupply of fish for the processors. Catfish harvested in the spring or summer usually command a higher price, because processor demand is higher and supplies are lower. Some producers are able to market their fish more profitably during times of short supplies by manipulating the fingerlings size and the stocking date and by partial harvesting.
There are small-scale processors in some areas who process small quantities of catfish for sale to local businesses and individuals. These processors often produce much of their own fish but, at times, buy from local producers. Your county Extension agent has information concerning processors in your area. Information on building your own small-scale processing plan can be found in Experiment Station Bulletin 255, "Design Of Small-Scale Catfish Processing Plants In Alabama," available from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station at Auburn University.
Fish-out, or fee fishing, is another market option for many catfish producers. A fish-out business depends on the numbers of fisherman in the area and their ability to catch fish. Fishing ponds located near cities are usually more in demand than in remote areas.
Small, densely stocked ponds are best for fish-out purposes. Catfish should be replenished when stocks become low, so that the fish will keep biting. Many successful fee fishing operations buy fish from other producers or produce them in their own ponds to stock fish-out ponds. This results in better fishing success, more customers, and more sales.
Owners of fish-out operations should be aware of safety provisions necessary when opening ponds to the public. Insurance protection against liability claims is a must!
Wholesale and retail sales of live catfish are other ways for producers to sell their product. Fish can be captured to order or captured and held live for later sale. Local newspaper ads, road signs, and word-of-mouth can rapidly establish a good market. Remember that customer demand can be maintained by providing a consistent supply of high-quality catfish throughout the year.
Live-haulers, people who buy and haul live catfish from producers to retail outlets, are important buyers of farm-raised catfish. Usually these haulers want producers to harvest and load the fish into their tank trucks. Live-haulers often transport fish to fish-out ponds or other live markets near large cities such as Chicago or Atlanta. Live-haulers generally buy the majority of their fish from March through October.
A producer catering to live-haulers exclusively should have all the necessary
equipment for seining and loading, plus all-weather roads around
the ponds.